"We understand that many of these children are confronted with conflict, discord, and economic strife in their countries," the lawmakers wrote. "While a partial explanation for this migration surge, we are equally concerned that your administration's immigration policies are creating a dangerous incentive for illicit networks to smuggle thousands of children into the United States."

The White House and House Republicans have been at loggerheads for months over whether to overhaul the nation's immigration laws. Obama and Democrats have been pushing for changes, but the House GOP is divided and no legislation has been forthcoming.

Obama spoke by telephone Thursday with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to discuss the border surge.

Vice President Joe Biden is attending a regional meeting Friday in Guatemala, focused on the stream of children trying to go north to the United States.

Obama told Mexico's president their two countries "can collaborate on a number of areas related to the issue, including by working together to return the children safely to their families and to build Central American capacity to receive returned individuals," according to a White House statement.

Obama expressed concern about the vulnerability of the children to crime and abuse and said he welcomed Mexico's efforts to find those who are trying to lure families into making the dangerous journey and to alert those considering the trip that they most likely will be returned to their home countries, the White House said.

"The president also reiterated that arriving migrants will not qualify for legalization under proposed immigration reform legislation or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA)," the White House said.

In their letter, Rogers and his colleagues said the United States should detain families who recently crossed the border in "appropriate" shelters near the Southwest border; use expedited immigration proceedings to determine the families' legal status; remove those who are not eligible to be in the United States; take action to remove from the country ineligible family members who have been reunited with undocumented children; and broadcast the risks of the crossings over U.S.-based Spanish-language television stations.

The Republicans also expressed their displeasure that the Department of Homeland Security told them a planned briefing by the U.S. Border Patrol "will be delayed indefinitely."

"As elected representatives of the American people, we demand that all committees of jurisdiction be briefed immediately," the House members wrote. "We will not tolerate the withholding of such important and relevant information from Congress, particularly as the House considers appropriations bills that address border security and other funding needs related to this crisis."

Besides Rogers, the letter was signed by Republican Reps. John Carter and Michael McCaul, both of Texas, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Frank Wolf of Virginia and Jack Kingston of Georgia. McCaul is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Carter, Wolf and Kingston chair appropriations subcommittees.